CSULB student has meningitis, officials say

A Cal State Long Beach student has developed a case of often-fatal bacterial meningitis, the university president said in an email to the CSULB community.

The student does not live in the dorms, and the president said the likelihood of the disease spreading by casual contact is very low.

Student Health Services and the Long Beach Health Department were working to ensure no other cases would be reported, CSULB interim President Donald Para said in the email. No information on the student's condition was immediately available Monday.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the affects of meningitis are typically severe and can include brain damage, learning disabilities or hearing loss. About 4,100 cases of bacterial meningitis were reported annually in the U.S. from 2003 to 2007. Of those, 500 deaths were reported each year. Quick treatment is key to reducing the risk of dying from the disease, according to the CDC.

Although meningitis is contagious, it is less so than the common cold or flu, according to the CDC.

Symptoms of a bacterial meningitis infection include sudden fever, a stiff neck or headache. Those who think they may have these symptoms are asked to call the SHS at 562-985-4771.